We are delighted and humbled by the recognition at the 2024 Victorian Architecture Awards! Wangaratta district Specialist School won the EmAGN Project Award and received a Commendation for Educational Architecture, Thank you to the jury, The Australian Institute of Architects, and all the stakeholders involved in bringing this project to life. Your expertise and dedication played a crucial role in this success.

Jury Citation:“The project demonstrated a collaborative leadership approach between a practice director in the EmAGN demographic and a graduate team member, who grew into the role of project architect throughout the project’s duration. Leadership was particularly evident throughout the sensory design zones, as the team were challenged to draw upon insights garnered from Sibling’s experience in exhibition design to champion innovative sensory solutions within the VSBA framework and tight budget.The project team demonstrated their commitment to collaboration, actively involving end-users and specialists throughout the design process. The team interrogated the initial design brief, to enrich the building’s functionality and flexibility through extensive end-user consultation. This ensured that the project has a high-level of research and understanding embedded within the design, to meet the diverse needs of students and educators. The built outcome is a playful, thoughtful, and a highly functional response, expertly balancing a challenging brief and tight budget. The jury believes the project sets a new benchmark for the design of inclusive spaces and exemplifies best practice in designing for students who have clinically diagnosed intellectual disabilities. The outcome is dignified, responsible and delightful.”

Architectural Photograohy by @derek_swalwell